Wine Along The 101
  • Home
  • Articles
    • 2020 Articles >
      • Margerum Wine Company, the Nexus of Sublime Santa Barbara County Wines
      • Catena Zapata, Malbec on High
      • Long Meadow Ranch, the Circle of Life in a Glass of Wine
      • Fontanafredda Barolo Forges a New Future
      • Bordeaux Wine 2017, Surprises in a Challenging Vintage
    • 2019 Articles >
      • The Rising Wine Country of Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley
      • Discover Ashland and the Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon's Serenade to the Good Life
      • Napa Valley Grille, New Fall Menu Paired with European Wines
      • Embrace Your Wine Geek with PRIE Winery & Vineyards
      • Castello di Albola, Chianti Classico on High
      • Nicolas-Jay Wines, the Journey of a Lifetime
      • The Expanding Complexity of New Zealand Wine
      • Prosecco DOC, Splendor in the Glass
      • On the Oregon Wine Trail
      • Albariño and Rioja Star in Spain’s Great Match
      • Exciting and Eclectic, the Wines of Alentejo
      • Blaufränkisch Propels the Red Wines of Austria Into the Spotlight
      • Fascinating Greek Wines of the Cava Spiliadis Collection
      • Revolution In Rioja Wine
    • 2018 Articles >
      • Temecula Valley Celebrates 50 Years of Winemaking
      • The Stellar Wines of Sardinia
      • Italian Wines Prescribed by Doctor Wine
      • The Alluring Wines of Tunisia
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2018
      • Velenosi Wines, From Le Marche to the World
      • Sauvignon Blanc, a Rising Star in Napa Valley
      • Frank Family Vineyards Celebrates 25 Years
      • Markus Wine Co., Sleek New Red Wines Up the Ante for Lodi Reds
      • Lodi Wine, Over 100 Varieties Strong
      • Ramona Valley Wine Country, an Up and Coming Wine Region
      • Hertelendy Vineyards, the Pursuit of Excellence
      • Napa Valley Wine, Nirvana in a Bottle
      • Wine Stroll: Explore Downtown Paso Robles Wineries
      • The Beautiful Shades of Lodi Rosé Wines
      • Doubling Down on Gold Medal Wines: The San Francisco International Wine Competition
      • The Exotic Wines of Lebanon
      • Australian Wines, Rediscover the New Frontier
      • New Zealand Wines, Expanding beyond Sauvignon Blanc
      • Visit France in 2018, a Feast of Food, Wine, Culture and History
      • Bordeaux Wine 2015, A Very Good Year
      • Portugal's Treasure Chest of Wines
      • Livermore Valley, California’s Original Wine Country Reborn
      • Concannon and Wente Vineyards, California’s Pioneers of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay
      • Livermore Valley Wine Country, the Future Looks Bright
    • 2017 Articles >
      • Viña Ardanza Rioja Turns 75, an Enchanting Wine Gets Even Better
      • The VIP Sparkle of Prosecco Superiore
      • Lodi Wine Country, Seriously Good Wine From A to Z
      • Lodi Wine Country, Old Vines and Great Wines
      • Lodi Wine Country, Winegrowers and Winemakers Focused on the Future
      • Lugana White Wine, Better With Age
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip to LA
      • Sweetzer Cellars, a Life Changing Journey of Wine
      • Lugana and Valpolicella, the Yin and Yang of the Veneto
      • Three R’s of Summer Wine, Rosé, Riesling, and Ramato
      • Familia Martínez Bujanda, Wines Without Borders
      • Codorníu Cava, the Ars and Anna Collection
      • New and Exciting Wines from the 2017 Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration
      • Sensual Delights on Display at Savor Italy Los Angeles
      • Pizza and Franco Pepe, Italy’s Best Comes to LA
      • Montes Wines, Wisdom in Wine From Father to Son
      • Passionate Pinot Noir Lovers Unite at the 2017 World of Pinot
      • Vignalta, Wines of the Highest Order
      • Santa Lucia Highlands Sensational Wines
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2017
      • Law Estate Wines: Quality by Design
      • Taittinger and Calvisius: Champagne and Caviar Dreams
      • Riding High on American Rhone Wines, The Rhone Rangers LA Tasting
      • Discover Monterey Wine Country, wine and so much more
      • Wines of Portugal, the Perfect Dinner Companion
      • Gruet's Enchanting Sparkling Wines
    • 2016 Articles >
      • The Art of Italian Living, SoCal Style
      • Wines of Alsace: Perfect for the Holidays
      • Oso Libre Winery; Vines, Wines, and Angus Beef
      • Best Wines for Thanksgiving
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour Sweeps Through Los Angeles
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Chardonnay
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Pinot Noir
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Rhône Varietals
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Bordeaux Varietals
      • Achaval-Ferrer, Exceptional Wines from Argentina
      • Celebration of Harvest Grand Tasting 2016 Highlights
      • The Celebrity Sparkle of Ferrari Trento Wines
      • Santa Barbara Wine Country’s Celebration of Harvest 2016
      • The Garagiste Festival, Off the Beaten Path Wines
      • Explore SLO Wine Country, Central California’s Hidden Gem
      • Byron Winery, The Grand Pinot Noir Experiment
      • Crocker & Starr Wines, Organically Elegant
      • Escape to Santa Maria Wine Country
      • The Elegant White Wines of Domäne Wachau
      • Champagne Palmer: The New Champagne on the Block
      • Holman Ranch & Vineyards: Making Memories & Wine at Romantic California Hideaway
      • Luminous Wines of France's Loire Valley
    • Examiner.com Articles >
      • Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards: Wines Without Compromise
      • All Stars of Pinot Noir Rock the 2016 World of Pinot
      • Ampelos Wines' Biodynamic Brilliance
      • Artisan Uprising: Blood Into Wine
      • Bodegas Beronia Rioja: The Magic of Oak
      • Crawford Family Wines: Unlocking Varietal Flavor
      • Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards' Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs Shine Bright
      • Hahn Family Wines: Santa Lucia Highlands' Sweet Spot
      • Kimmel Vineyards: Good Wine Flows from Challenging Times
      • Larner Vineyard: Sweet Spot for Syrah and Grenache
      • LOCA for Lodi Wine
      • Lompoc Wine Ghetto
      • Sanford Winery & Vineyards, Delicious Wines That Tell a Tale
      • The Diverse and Divine Wines of Santa Barbara County
      • Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail
      • The Stellar Wines of California's Sta. Rita Hills
      • Skinner Vineyards, Destiny and Determination
      • Wines of Portugal, The Art of the Blend
  • Wine Reviews
    • Grassl Glasses Add Depth to Wine Enjoyment
    • Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Rosé Brut Makes Everyday a Holiday
    • Festive Ferrari Trento Sparkling Wines For All Occasions
    • Bodegas CARO, the Best of Both Worlds
    • Kosher Wines For the Jewish High Holidays Are Highly Recommended Anytime of Year
    • Oak Farm Vineyards, a Rainbow of Delicious Lodi Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Ron Rubin Wines, The Dream Series
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2018
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2018
    • Crus Bourgeois Bordeaux, Expressive Wines at Everyday Prices
    • Légende Collection of Bordeaux Wines
    • Five Contemporary California Wines To Try
    • Alternative Sparkling Wines For a Celebration
    • A Toast to Prosecco Superiore
    • Celebrate with this Pair of Spanish Red Wines
    • A Quartet of Summer Red Wines
    • Spanish Albariño, a Wine For All Seasons
    • Ciù Ciù Wines, Quality That Shines Through
    • A Trio of Red Wines for Holiday Merrymaking
    • Terre de la Custodia Montefalco Rosso 2012
    • The Sultry Arnaldo Caprai Collepiano Montefalco Sagrantino
    • Pop the Cork on Charles Heidsieck Champagne and Bisol Prosecco
    • Garnacha Wines from DOP Cariñena, Beautiful Bang for the Buck
    • A Pair of Greek Wines for a Spring Feast
    • A Dynamic Duo of Sassy Spanish White Wines
    • Anderra Carménere
    • Artesa Chardonnay/Pinot Noir
    • Avignonesi Grandi Annate
    • Château Saint-Maur Rosé
    • La Miranda de Secastilla, Old Vine Garnacha Gems
    • Intriguing Israeli Wines
    • Leviathan
    • Domaines Paul Mas Wines Trio
    • Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc, intensely refreshing and delicious
    • Perticaia Trebbiano Spoletino
    • Stay Cool With These Two Charming White Wines
  • Events
    • Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival 2019
    • World of Pinot Noir 2019, A Magical Mystery Tour
    • Journey to Planet Pinot at the 2018 World of Pinot Noir
    • Great Wines of Italy Comes to LA
    • Wine Along the Beach at Garagiste Wine Festival 2017
    • Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration 2017
    • Orbit the World of Pinot Noir at the 2017 World of Pinot
    • Rhone Rangers Los Angeles 2016
    • Rhone Rangers 2015
  • Wine Travel
    • Wineries >
      • Santa Ynez Valley
      • Los Olivos Promenade
      • Buellton
      • Sta. Rita Hills
      • Paso Robles
      • Edna Valley
    • Dining >
      • Avila Beach
      • Cayucos
      • Los Olivos
      • Paso Robles
      • Pismo Beach
      • Santa Barbara
      • Santa Ynez
      • Solvang
  • Videos
    • Celebration of Harvest
    • Feliz Noche Wines
    • Terravant Custom Crush
    • Que Syrah, Shiraz!
    • Paso Robles Wine Festival
    • L'Aventure Syrah Harvest
    • Clos Pepe's Prince of Pinot
  • Photos
  • About Me
Picture
From Thanksgiving to New Year, it’s a moveable feast of sumptuous proportions, one that demands wines that can cut through the rich foods yet flatter a cornucopia of flavors and textures.  The wines of Alsace are a perfect fit, elegant, distinctive, and complex, with crisp acidity, rich texture, and balanced alcohol.       


Alsace, located in northeastern France, has a blended culture, resulting from hundreds of years of changing hands between neighboring Germany and France.  Shaped by both German and French influences, Alsace wines are unique; fragrant, mostly white, single grape varietals in tall, tapered green bottles.  The wines reflect the mosaic of soils and climate of the region.  The Vosges Mountains protects Alsace from fierce Atlantic storms, so the vineyards enjoy an unusually sunny, dry climate, allowing the grapes a long hang time.  This gives the wines ripe fruit flavors, and the cool nights ensure refreshing acidity. 


Alsace produces a lot of white wine, from Pinot Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Muscat, Sylvaner, and Riesling, aromatic with brilliant acidity, and not a bit of oak aging.  Floral, with stone fruit flavors, and richly textured, these wines are fabulous food companions, and many carry enough weight to pair with richer dishes, like pork and roast fowl.  And when a label states that a wine is a particular varietal, such as Riesling, you can be assured it’s 100%, since Alsace AOC regulations require it.   


Four styles are produced, sparkling Crémant d’Alsace (white and rosé), Alsace and Grand Cru AOC (still white and red wines), Vendange Tardive (late harvest concentrated wines with varying levels of sweetness), and Sélection de Grains Nobles (sweet wines touched by botrytis).
Picture
The Wines of Alsace came to Los Angeles, presenting Alsace Wine + Swine, an introduction to how fabulous these wines are, especially with food.  Alsace is famous for its cuisine, home to one of the highest concentrations of Michelin-starred restaurants in France, and pork is the star of the table.  With seminars and a grand tasting at Terrine, wine professionals swooned over the quality, intensity and balance.  Here are some of my highlights, for the holidays or anytime, overall, all were delicious and well-priced.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Crémant d’Alsace, made like Champagne, can be Brut, Blanc de Blancs, or Rosé, a festive aperitif or a bubbly dinner companion.  These are very nice wines which retail for a fraction of the price of Champagne.  The non-vintage Rosé versions are especially good with food, made from 100% Pinot Noir.  Some outstanding examples are Allimant-Laugner, Lucien Albrecht, Jean-Baptiste Adam, and Pierre Sparr Crémant d’Alsace Brut Rosé, all offer a fresh wine with rounder texture and richer body.  As far as Brut, Pfister has a nice non-vintage Blanc de Blancs, while vintage Crémants are a step up, the 2012 Dirler-Cadé and 2011 Vignoble des 2 Lunes Blanc de Blancs Comete are excellent choices.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Pinot Blanc is a fresh, lightweight wine, with a bit of smokiness to them, and a great drinking value.  Good Pinot Blanc choices from the 2013 vintage are Kuentz-Bas Tradition, Charles Sparr, and Dopff & Irion, all retailing under $16.  An interesting wine, Pinot Gris, is round and expressive, with a touch of sweetness that is balanced by a kick of acid, making it still dry on the palate, not so aromatic as smoky and exotic tasting.  Some excellent examples are the 2013 Helfrich, the 2012 Emile Beyer Cuvée de L’Hostellerie, the 2011 Florian Beck-Hartweg Cuvée Prestige, the 2012 Dirler-Cadé Grand Cru Kessler, the 2011 Rieflé Grand Cru Steinert, and the stunning 2010 Schoffit Grand Cru Rangen de Thann Clos Saint Theobald.  Gewurztraminer is full-bodied, with a fatness to it, usually off-dry, with a distinctive floral quality, a white wine to drink with heavier or spicy dishes.
Picture
Picture
Picture
The only red wine that Alsace produces is Pinot Noir, a different and fascinating version of what you might expect from Pinot.  More earthy, with a smoky quality, structure, and funk, in a good way, marks some of the best.  Some good choices are the 2014 Domaines Schlumberge Les Princes Abbés, the 2012 Rieflé Bonheur Convivial, the 2012 Domaine Saint-Rémy Rosenberg, the 2012 Emile Beyer de L’Hostellerie, the 2012 Ostertag Fronholz, and the excellent 2011 Albert Mann Clos de La Faille, a biodynamic beauty!
Picture
Stunning Riesling from different soils
Picture
Master Sommelier Brian McClintic
Riesling is the wine that most people flock to, with Alsace wines very different from the German version, certainly more dry when young.  I attended the Rocks & Riesling Retrospective Seminar, led by Master Sommelier Brian McClintic, and was smitten with Alsace Riesling.  These were mostly dry wines, in a variety of styles, from lean and racy to rich and powerful, a study of how soil types affects the ageability of the wines.  Four renowned producers compared two of their single vineyard Rieslings, one young and fresh, the other with the patina of time, it was the holy smokes moment!  From Trimbach’s limestone, Weinbach’s granite, Domaines Schlumberger’s blend of marl, limestone, and sandstone, and Zind-Humbrect’s volcanic soils, it was fascinating to see some commonality, like the floral, apple and lime, flint or petrol on the nose, and the high acidity and structure.  And with age, these Rieslings became rich and round, opulent with honeyed aromas, textured body, a more pronounced petrol note, and a finish that went on forever.  But differences did reveal themselves, below are my expanded tasting notes.
Picture
Chef Kris Morningstar of Terrine weighs in on Riesling and food, a match made in heaven
Picture
Weinbach Riesling Grand Cru Schlossberg Cuvée Sainte Catherine 2014 vs 1998, check out the evolution of color
The Trimbach 2009 Riesling, from the 80-year-old Clos Ste Hune vineyard, was floral, intensely aromatic with a hint of flint on the nose, an elegant, crisp, saline wine with a very long finish.  Compared to the 1997 version, which was rich and round, this wine expressed honeyed aromas and a petrol nose, mineral and leesy, that lingered and lasted for a long time.  


The biodynamic Weinbach 2014 Grand Cru Schlossberg Cuvée Sainte Catherine was ripe, balanced, and structured, with a honeyed nose, yet had high acidity, a stony quality and iron character that reflected the cool vintage.  It was compared to the warm vintage of 1998, which was an intense, rich and honeyed wine, elegant and well-structured, with a touch of botrytis, giving it a sensation of nectar.


The Domaines Schlumberger 2012 Grand Cru Saering was lighter in body, aromatic and fresh with apple and lime, and a hint of petrol on the nose.  Juxtaposed to the 2001, which was slightly richer and more textured, the honey, mineral, and petrol notes evident on the extra long finish.  


The Zind-Humbrecht 2013 Grand Cru Rangen de Thann Clos Saint Urbain was electric, a reflection of the volcanic soils from where it sprang.  Racy and lean, it had a pure, distinctive nose, with a smoky iodine quality, and a pungent creme brulée palate.  What a difference twenty years made, with the 1993 version, a smooth, complex wine, with a honeyed nose, a nuttiness alongside the full bloom of botrytis, balanced with lots of acidity that played out on the super long finish.  These wines represent the best of Alsace, with Trimbach and Zind-Humbrecht at the higher end price-wise, and the aged bottles the most expensive, special occasion wines certainly worth the splurge!
Picture
Alsace wines captivate with their intense perfume, refreshing acidity, and balanced structure, with Riesling and Pinot Gris growing more complex with time. Any of these wines will be a welcome companion to your holiday festivities, by the glass or with food, and provide great value for their quality.